WITH March 29 fast approaching and the prospects of a deal looking slim, tensions are high. This febrile context provides a part explanation for Donald Tusk's remarks if not justification – but then again, it's difficult not to understand the European Council president's frustration. He's certainly not alone in being bewildered and disheartened by the antics of the British government in recent months, led by the nose by the European Research Council ideologues and their allies in the DUP. There's a significant proportion of Northern Ireland's population who share his anguish.
That said, this is not a time for inflammatory language, and equally the tone of Mr Tusk remarks was unbecoming for an EU figurehead, even if you sympathise with the sentiment. In the current climate we need cool heads and measured language not insults and hyperbole.
Reaction from the DUP 's Sammy Wilson was typically belligerent, the East Antrim MP appearing happy to ratchet up the tension and trade insults with the man he termed a "devilish euro maniac". The DUP MP is himself prone to taunting his political opponents, showing little regard for sensitivities and political correctness.
Of course, behind Mr Tusk's barbed words was a more serious message – Britain has been led blindly into Brexit and the desire of some to deliver the 2016 referendum result under any circumstances will have far reaching disruptive consequences. It's time to get real.
Read more:
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